howl at the moon, shoot out the light, it's a small town Sunday night...

So I'm on third, Pastor at the plate and he hits one straight at my head. I ducked and missed it. However, next pitch sent one straight at my feet.

Apparently I don't have the hops I used to have.

But I was on the base so I wasn't out and since it hit me when I was on the line it got called fair. Though Pastor didn't run, he mostly stood there for a while, then went to the base when the ump - who happens to be my cousin - said to go.

I didn't think it was so bad then I got home and went, WHOA! So now I have a sweet bruise on my foot. A big X on my second toe and a nice swollen bump and bruise right below that big toe.

My own Pastor, geez.

We won - vs Methodists - 13-6. Had some really good innings so that was lots of fun.

Sadly that will be it for my softball season as someone - not naming names but it wasn't one of ours - suggested they make the games earlier so more people would be able to make it.

And then ironically even more people on their team couldn't make it.

I'm seriously super bummed. Just got the t-shirt designs done and all that.

But I guess I got my token injury so I can be done. Torn up leg and now the foot. Joan wrapped my foot when we went out for icecream. It's amusing to have like 3 medical professionals on our team. Actually a good thing for me since I'm accident-prone.

So she wrapped that then I took it off to shower tonight. Should take a picture of the sweet bruise and upload it.

Before that game was gypsy caroling at the nursing home - we float from room to room so a few years ago we were labeled as the gypsies. It's family day so we go around and sing camp songs and all that. Like 3rd year we've done it. Was myself, Pastor, his wife, Homey-G-Wigger and of course our Gypsy Leader Liz.

Before that was yet another softball game - though this time was for my brother's birthday. Divided us up into teams accordingly. Brother just got a pitching machine that he's pretty proud of so we tried that for a bit. Got me warmed up for tonight's game. Though I still sucked it up. Sister-in-law and I pass the bad luck curse back and forth, I told her to keep it with her for the night since she couldn't make it but no luck.

Alright, falling asleep at the board. Have a good one.


Songs You Know But Forgot You Knew Them


Miami - Will Smith
was huge for a short while then disappeared.


Small Town Saturday Night - Hal Ketchum
what happened to this dude?

Battle of the Blogs, Gypsy Caroling, Fat Cats, Whom Shepherds Guard and Angels Sing

It seems that some people have decided to use their blogs for evil.

To which I feel I should retaliate.

But then they take me out for steak and back to their place to watch Sherlock Holmes, and it's making me have to think really hard about something mean to say back.

Like...

The time that...

You know what?

You are full of crap.

Love Mom.

There.

Take that!

Geez, I tell them I find someone I'm actually legitimately interested in and suddenly my clothes are being banned to Narnia.

That's a closet.

But you're literate, so you knew that.

If you weren't you wouldn't be here, reading a librarian's blog.

Or, sorry, Library Service Associate's blog.

Although I still refer to myself as an LA2. Cause I like that better than LSA. LA2 sounds cool, LSA sounds like a service announcement. Though I guess I am a bit of a walking billboard for the library so it's okay.

What was I saying?

Oh yeah, so they take issue with my tearaways and sport shorts.

It's not like I wear them to work.

Or that I'd wear them on a date.

Unless we were playing softball or something that actually required them.

I did wear them this weekend, that was exciting.

Fine, bash on them all you want.

But leave my backwards hat out of it.

That's the one thing that will last forever.

Aside from all that joy, today was crazy mass hysteria. Church in the morning then practice. Yeah, we practiced at 1 - for the first time - sang at 2 - I left at 3:30 to make it for Squirt and Bubby's program at 5:00, then headed out for steak, and went over there to watch Sherlock Holmes and jam out on their couch. Cause it's comfy. and they have a dumb-as-a-post cat that snuggles with you.

She's about half the size of Carter.

And that's only cause she has lots of hair. Take that away and you have maybe a quarter of my big fat cat.

He could squish her.

But we used to say that about her other cat as well. That she would squish people. Then Second Sister got a fatter cat and that became the squisher. Now mine is the fattest, and therefore the one that will dominate. Plus he bites. He could take 'em down. He's got it going on.

I'm sorry, but the fact that Squirt said that same thing at the restaurant while completely missing the former conversation highly amuses me. She's just too smart.

So yes, Gypsy Caroling today. The Gypsy nickname and tradition started a few years ago when we were singing for family day at Heritage. Gypsy Leader had her guitar and we basically went around the building singing camp songs. This year we were stationary. It was awesome, our usual gang of course. We sang a lot of twisted carols - they were twisted cause they were carols, but had other verses being sang over the top of them as harmony. It was amusing, especially "Are you going to Bethlehemtown?" I can never keep a straight face for that one. Or "Happy Winter" which was actually just Frosty the Snowman, but had added verses.
We couldn't make it, we literally couldn't get all the way through it during practice cause we were laughing so our Gypsy Leader was basically like,
Okay, just sing Frosty. Skip the rest.
We said we'd throw in a few "Happy Winter!"s just to throw her off while she played. Didn't miss a beat.

After that it was driving back here to watch Squirt and Bubby. Bubby rocked it on the piano. It was funny cause he played two songs and you could tell he liked the second one better just cause he played it a lot faster and louder than the first one. He rocked it seriously. I made a lot of silly faces at Squirt - we couldn't even get Bubby to look at us! But I figured the faces were payback for when their parents made faces at me.

See, I'm the baby.

So, like in a certain person's blog, the older siblings feel a responsibility to tease me. It's only natural, right?

This includes events like a Christmas Eve service in which they sit in the back and wave at me when I'm in the front. And make faces. When I'm trying to be all serious. Yeah, didn't work out so well for me. Though Squirt did make it through the service without cracking up too obviously despite the attempts of both myself and the awesomeness that is Megan.

I learned - especially when I did One Act and Drama productions - that if you pick a spot in the back and focus on it you won't notice the funny faces and gestures they're aiming in your direction.

After the program was steak at a fancy place down the road. Bubby can only eat salad when it's drenched in Ranch so that was amusing.

We talked random things, library stuff, ballet and the concept of a Three-Three as opposed to a TuTu.

Though whenever I hear anything about ballet I immediately jump to a camp conversation I had with my D...R partner in which I corrected a pronunciation and he came back with "I don't freaking know ballet!!" That was the same year he claimed I shot him during a prayer. But I didn't. It was BETWEEN prayers! And it was just a tiny water pistol. He had one too. It was war.

Alright, on to the Rec's.

Figured I'd give you a few we sang today.

Christmas Music that Doesn't Suck: Day Five

"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" Sarah McLachlan live

fantastic version, but I love all her music. it's very zen. helps on a bad day.

"Silent Night" Aly & AJ

simple and classic.

we didn't sing this next one, but it was on the list.

"What Child Is This" Charlotte Church

say what you will, this chick is impressive. She's 25 now, but this was like '07. Props man, props.
and this song - not essentially this version - but this song is probably my second favorite of the sacred Xmas songs. Only losing to O Holy Night, but we'll get there. And that's only the sacred ones. I've got a bunch of goofy ones as well. Well, one in particular. Which, if you know me, or if you read the blog last year around Xmas I'm sure you know to what song I'm referring. and if not you'll figure it out.

Joyful and Triumphant

Oh my god, just got Plain White T's CD "Wonders of the Younger" and it's so fantastic I think I'll have to dedicate a week just to it's awesomeness.

But, for now, I'll stick with Xmas music that doesn't suck. Maybe PWT's can bring in the new year.

I'm so proud of myself for today. Woke up before noon, which, for a day off and not just any day off, a SATURDAY day off waking up at 10:30 is like props to me, seriously. So there was that.

I got all my shopping done.

Mostly.

Okay, a lot of my shopping done.

I'm still missing Second Sister, Second Sister's husband, and Oldest Sister's husband. But at least I know what I'm getting him. Although, SS did just text me ideas for her husband. So I've got somewhere to start.

But yeah, I'm not done with all seven tiny people, my parents - with the help of Oldest Sister for that one, and most of my siblings.

I spoiled my brother a bit, but hey, he's my big brother. He's always watched out for me. Buys me Titans hats and Yankees jerseys when he can't stand the Yankees but loves me. Baby sister has the right to spoil on occasion, right?

I'm exhausted.

I hate shopping.

Christmas shopping is mildly entertaining though, so I stick with it. As long as there aren't clothes involved, I'm generally in.

Though I'm sure there will be clothes involved on other peoples' end. Hopefully it will be good stuff. Sisters have decided I need wardrobe changes. One of them even stuck me with a bunch of dress clothes, claiming she was cleaning out her closet and needed the space.

Which...okay, I'm sure they're right on that, but I like my t-shirts! That's my best present ever, just random t-shirts with funny sayings or weird graphics. It's like a visible inside joke, I love it.

And it's not like I wear them to work. Often. Just at the home branch, not the work one. If I do there's generally something over them. Cause yeah, there's some skeezy people there, and they stare. And I'm not so fond of the staring. So anything to cover up a graphic that they'd want to start a conversation over is grand for me. Plus it's probably smart to you know, semi-dress up for work. And jeans and nice shirts are my life now.

Oh my god, it was so nice today to wear my tearaways and hoodie. That's all I wore throughout 2010, 'til I got the job.

Speaking of today, so funny story. I'm in Target, and going through the toy aisles looking for kid stuff when I decide to browse the game section. I'm checking out a Big Bang Theory trivia game - which was fantastic, btw - when I hear my name, look up and see Homey-G-Wigger on the phone and giving me the "what are you doing here" look. But what was SHE doing there? I live there. So we jammed out and got some lunch. Gotta love Panera. Plus it's right next to Barnes and Noble which is where I got the majority of my other stuff.

After that it was gold. Came to the farm. Wrapped my stuff, which was nice cause that meant I didn't have to take it up to my apartment, unload it, then load it again, and unload it again. Like I said, cake. Though the wrapping took longer than expected. Mostly cause I was distracted by DVR and kept running out of paper and tape. But Mom has like a whole wrapping station set up in the living room. I had too much stuff so I stuck with the floor.

Another funny thing, Mom zones out, and then starts laughing. Says she only falls asleep in the chair when I come home.

Thanks. I must really be that boring.
No, you're not boring.

So it must be my shows that are boring. Which is funny, cause they're her shows too. I mean, all we watched were Bones, NCIS, NCIS LA, and some Castle. But she was long gone before the Castle. It was a rerun anyway, I watched the creepy cage lady one again. Still freaked me out.

But, all in all it was a good day.

Which means I should give you these and konk out.

Christmas Music that doesn't suck: Day Four

"Deck the Halls" Mannheim Steamroller

you will probably be getting a lot of mannheim rec's from me these next few days. probably because they're nebraska people, but mostly because they rock. Chip Davis is a genius, I especially love 2:02-2:04, with the lighting it makes him look all mad scientist on the drums.

"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" Twisted Sister

a twisted christmas is actually a pretty good album. and that chick is annoying, kind of want to hit her with my drumsticks. she deserves to get twisted. i love that
they manage to work that in from 4:04-4:16

"The Chipmunk Song aka Christmas Don't Be Late" The Chipmunks

the new version, though the classic is the best, this one rocks it as well. this has always been one of my favorites even though i've never really been a fan of the chipmunks as characters. i think alvin would just get on my nerves. though gubler did do the movie, so i guess i should give it a shot.


Tomorrow is church and practice then caroling, then gotta make it back for Squirt and Bubby's Xmas Eve service as it's Squirt's last year. I'm sad that I'm missing KJ and BekBek's. But we have gypsy caroling practice so can't really miss that. As we are going gypsy caroling right afterward. Huzzah! I enjoy our merry band of gypsys. Gypsy Leader aka my music mentor for camp and life has her guitar so we'll back her.

Well, at least the baby stopped crying...

So, I suck at this whole posting thing. I've been crazy busy which really isn't an excuse because I've made time to do other things.
In an attempt to make up for lost time I will come up with a list of the random events that have occurred throughout the week.
1. Had a conversation with coworkers about the fashion of troll dolls. Apparently their bold fashion statement of flamboyant hair and shirts that show off their big stomachs are making a comeback. That's what you get when you work downtown and see all the crazies. Thankfully they are wearing pants. Well, most of them.
2. Went to see Harry Potter 7 again, this time with Nic and Megan. Still awesome. And we ran into Becky so that was cool. We sat in the back and made sarcastic comments - mostly because people kept going up and down the stairs to the balcony and it constantly sounded like a stampede and because someone brought their baby. Why would you bring a baby to Harry Potter? It's loud and scary! Strange, right? Anyway, the kid cried a lot and the best line of the whole experience took place in the middle. Nicole and I were making faces about the stampede and Nic leans over and says, "well, at least the baby stopped crying." I died. I think that's one of those you have to be there moments, but it made my night.
3. Vicki and I have either been working too much lately or we just need to get more sleep. Every morning we've worked together we've both been completely out of it. I'm like a walking zombie and she almost falls asleep at the desk. She has declared us to be sleep-deprived space cadets. Today was fun though because she decided we should box up all the donations - both of us - so I commented that maybe between the two of us space cadets we could form one fully functional human being. That worked well.
4. Xmas program at church was Sunday. They decided to do it early this year because last year it almost didn't happen. With all the snow and power outtages - it was a mess. But this year's went well. My niece was the best. And I'm not saying that because of favoritism. She said her line loud and clear and not too fast. I was quite proud actually. Everyone else mumbled theirs. I remember that though, you're nervous cause everyone is staring at you. I looked everywhere but the crowd. This time I just got to sing in the choir. Dad gave me crap for never looking up from my music but it was the first time I'd sang it! I didn't practice with them, I just show up and sing since I can't make it to practices. It was easy enough. After that it was Pizza Hut for lunch then practice to sing at Heritage. We went gypsy caroling. We call it gypsy caroling because earlier in the year we had gone around Heritage singing camp songs on family day. One of our friends called us the gypsies. Liz became our "gypsy leader" and now that nickname is totally going to stick. I'll make it stick. Camp should be fun.
5. Along with being a sleep-deprived space cadet I am also very giggly at inappropriate times. It's bizarre. I was trying to tell a story to a coworker in the staff room and I couldn't get through it. I laughed so hard I started crying. It was bad. But the story was just funny, because I can still picture... okay, so this dude was on one of the internet computers and his phone rang. Meanwhile, we have this amazing older lady who comes in and volunteers at the smaller branch. She processes new materials and does the holds and yeah. She's awesome and hilarious. She was attempting to use the self-check and even though it hates me I was trying to help. (it's new and never accepts my barcode. evil.) We couldn't get it to work so we stood there for a while. Back to the guy, his phone rings, he answers, and the speaker is set on like high so you can hear everything the person on the line is saying. At first it's all hi, how are you. Then out of nowhere she's like "I have diahrrhea...bad!" And the volunteer turns to me and makes this face like she's like scandelized or something. I seriously died on the spot. That expression will come to mind every time I see her, I swear it's burned into my brain. So I tried to tell that story at work, and just like now when I was typing it out, it took me a couple tries to make all the way through it without collapsing on myself. Too funny.
6. Speaking of the smaller branch, we had our xmas party today. I brought the silverware and plates and stuff and I found these napkins that say, "what happens at the holiday party stays at the holiday party!" They were a big hit. We're sending one to our boss who was sick and couldn't make it. I love those people, they're too fun.
7. Another thing this sleep-deprived space cadet couldn't stop laughing at inappropriately was this line from Just Shoot Me. It's a Nina Van Horn specialty, she always had the best ones, but I died. I couldn't stop. It was endless, but I had to hold it in as I was up in the lab and it was like dead silent. I'm sure my coworker thought I was going nutso. Maybe I am nutso. Here's the short version, Nina and Maya went walking somewhere and Maya sees a guy juggling. Nina turns up at the office with a cast on her arm. When asked why she replies, "Little tip: never yell, 'Look, he's got six balls!' at someone who's about to step off a curb."
Today was not a serious day for me at all.
8. I actually got to watch Mike and Molly. Mom dvr'd a few, they are pretty funny. I'm glad, I like Melissa McCarthy, I hope it stays on. It had some good one-liners as well. "You're a closed book!"
"No, I'm not! I'm an open catalogue laying on the night stand!"
"I don't know what that means, I'm lost!"
or
"You wanted space, go sit on a missile!"
9. Another fun library moment - a coworker of mine is a true librarian. In like the truest sense. A patron returned a book - big picure of Lana Turner on the cover. She picks up the book and says, "look at this binding!" "Yeah, who's that on the cover?" "I don't know, I was just admiring the binding." I noticed. But I love this woman. She's great with the patrons and answered every one of my stupid questions during training.
10. Fun reference questions I've had lately - "what is the average salary of an roman emporer?"
"what is the opposite of pianissimo?"
"when does that green lantern movie come out?" He asked mainly because I was wearing a green lantern shirt. I wear fun shirts when I'm an aid.
11. Got to play video games with my niece and nephew - TMNT mostly. We love it - and while hitting robots with my big stick (i'm donatello...always. we have our usual characters. joe likes to fly so he's mikey. mandy likes red so she's rafael.) I frequented the response "yeah! stick that in your speedo jacuzzi bob!" thank you Big Bang Theory.
12. I got to catch up on The Closer - I'm about to watch the new one right now - and NCIS when I went home so that was nice. I liked serious Tony in this one. I thought he was pulling a prank, good ending, good ending.
13. Isn't it unlucky to end on 13? Oh well. I'm taking the chance. I'm off for the night to watch The Closer and Castle. Then more work tomorrow, hooray! I'm crazy. It's official.
ps- why is the bad guy from ncis and literally every other show he's in watching robots break through walls on the directv commercials? isn't he in jail? didn't they just lock him up?